Maule M-7-235C vs Cessna 185
The Cessna 185 Skywagon (tailwheel, 300 hp Continental IO-520, ~145 kt) and modern backcountry options like CubCrafters NXCub (tailwheel, 180 hp Lycoming, ~135 kt with extreme STOL) or Maule M-7-235C (tailwheel, 235 hp Lycoming, ~140 kt) are competing backcountry singles — different takes on the bush-flying mission.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 9
- Median asking
- $225,000
- Range
- $189,500–$333,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 1
- Model years available
- 1999–2021
- For sale now
- 70
- Median asking
- $280,000
- Range
- $189,000–$429,900
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 24
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1961–1985
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Maule M-7-235C | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 16 | 476 |
| Serious | 1 | 23 |
| Fatal | 1 | 43 |
| Fatalities | 1 | 93 |
| % Fatal | 6% | 9% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Maule M-7-235C | Cessna 185 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,500 – $333,000 | $189,000 – $429,900 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 124 kts (230 km/h) | 145 kts (269 km/h) |
| Range | 572 nm (1,059 km) | 720 nm (1,333 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 17,150 ft (5,227 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 84.0 gal (318 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 13.0 GPH (49 L/h) | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 1,700 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $15,000 | $22,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $140 | $175 |
| Engines | 1 x Reciprocating | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateMaule M-7-235C
Cessna 185
Which Should You Buy: Maule M-7-235C or Cessna 185?
Bottom line: Choose the 185 for the largest payload, the classic Cessna character and the broadest tailwheel-utility support network. Choose the NXCub for the most extreme STOL/short-field capability in a new airframe. Choose the Maule M-7 for the best balance of capability and acquisition cost in a modern STOL platform.
Pick the M-7-235C if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$140/hr vs $175/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1961.
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $189,500, you save ~$500.
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 720 nm vs 572 nm.
- More inventory — 69 listings vs 5.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.